3rd Sgt. Ira Allen Jenkins
Ira Allen Jenkins was born April 18, 1832 approximately 3 miles outside of Liberty in Amite Co., Mississippi. He was the son of John Jenkins who arrived from Georgia into Amite in the early 1800's. On February 2, 1822, John Jenkins married Stacy Whittington, the daughter of Amite settlers- James Whittington and Sarah Jackson. The John Jenkins family appears in the church notes for New Providence Baptist with Ira Allen Jenkins shown on the membership rolls from 1851-1858.
On January 31, 1856* in Amite, Ira Allen Jenkins married Louvenia Causey**, the daughter of Alexander Scott Causey & Nancy Cason Cox. Dora Jenkins, the first born child of this union was born in 1857. The newly formed family; however, are not found in the 1860 Amite census. According to an earlier researcher they were at this time living in Claiborne Co., Mississippi where Ira briefly oversaw the running of a plantation. He returned to Amite in February 1862 to join the Amite Defenders. Below is his obituary which perhaps is the best tribute to his life. A Confederate marker is at his burial location in Liberty City Cemetery, recognizing him as Captain for the 22nd, Co. E.
From The Southern Herald, Liberty, Miss, Friday, Nov 29, 1929
CAPT I A JENKINS
"Saturday morning Nov 23rd the spirit of Capt I A Jenkins took its flight to the home beyond the skies. Deceased was born April 18, 1832 liking [lacking] only a few month of being 98 years of age. Few men will be more missed than our departed friend. He was known, loved and respected the length and breath [sic] of Amite county. Always an interesting conversation list of things past and present to both old and young.
He was among the first to leave Amite County at the beginning of the Civil war, enlisting in Co. K 33rd Miss., serving through the four years. Was wounded 3 times the last in the battle at Franklin and Nashville Tenn. At an early age he was married to Miss Louvenia Causey, who preceded him to the grave 12 years ago. To this union were born one son and three daughters. M. A. Jenkins and Mrs. B. D. Nelson of Liberty the other daughters deceased. 'Uncle Allen' was one time member of the board of supervisors also served as a member of the pension board; was Captain of Co. E 22nd Mississippi, which was merged with his old company near close of war and was commander at the battle of Bentonville. He was Com[mander] of Amite county camp 226 U. C. V. He attended all State Reunions and took an active part in all the county reunions. Since the death of his wife he made his home here with the only son and will be greatly missed as a familiar figure on our streets. He was an early riser and enjoyed meeting and exchanging greetings each day with his fellow man. He was a devout member of the Baptist church from which place his funeral was held. Up to a week before his death he enjoyed good health but when stricken with pneumonia the infirmities of age were too much for him.
Funeral was conducted by his pastor Rev. H. H. Webb assisted by Rev. Chas. G. Bruce Sunday morning at 10 o'clock in the presence of a large gathering of loved ones and friends and he was laid beside the grave of his wife in local cemetery. Besides the son and daughter he is survived by 19 grand children, 79 great-grand children, and four great-great-grand children. A grand old man has gone to his reward. Blessings on his memory."
* Note other sources have recorded marriage date of January 21, 1856.
** Her name appears in other records with two additional spellings of Lavinia or Lavenia.